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Archive for October, 2018

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #31 ~ Hunter

Posted: October 31, 2018 in horror, reviews, thriller
Tags: Horror, review, thriller

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills 2018! I did this last year and so excited to do it again. I’ll be sharing reviews and lots of extra spooky stuff every day leading up to Halloween. I hope you’ll join me!

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

~~~~~

Hunter

by James Byron Huggins

Genre: Horror / Thriller

My Review

When will they learn. In the quest to have a longer life, perhaps even immortality, a scientist uses himself as a test subject. It all goes so horribly wrong and now something is out there, threatening all of humanity. A special team of military killers is put together to hunt it down, led by a legendary hunter and tracker, Nathaniel Hunter. Along with his gigantic black wolf, Ghost, they set out to find and destroy a creature that won’t go down without a fight.

I devoured this book in huge gulps. Only stepping away from it to sleep. And then immediately picking it back up to continue. I had to know who would survive. Who wouldn’t. And if they could bring down this monster.

The author gave me this awesome group of characters. Each had their own special hunting skills, from huge guns with grenade launchers and flame throwers to a man wielding a katana with a blade so sharp it could split a hair. But, the creature is force to be reckoned with. He’s come packing too, armed super human strength, long sharp claws to rend you with, a need to kill, and he’s driven by an ancient memory. There’s something he needs and he’ll go through everything to get it. You wouldn’t want to be standing in it’s way.

Egads. There are so many encounters with this creature. It saddened me that so many died heroically while trying to take it down. While I really liked the team, I loved Hunter and his wolf companion, Ghost. They had a special connection ever since he rescued Ghost as a pup. They work as one, always knowing what the other needs. It was glorious. And terrifying. Ghost would do anything for Nate and it scared me to think what would happen when the two huge predators clashed.

I loved Leviathan, another book by this author. It is one I’ve read over and over. Hunter is every bit as good. If you love tons of action, great characters, and a beast that walked out of a nightmare. you’ll want to read this one.

I happened to catch this eBook on sale for just 99 cents! It’s back up to $6.99 now. What a steal, but I would have gladly paid the full price. I loved it so much I’m going to get the paperback too. It will be a book I return to often and I like those on my bookshelf.

Synopsis

In yet another experiment to extend human life, scientists accidentally tap into the deepest recesses of the human mind and unleash a force that might well be a terrible curse. For in their desire to use a power they did not understand, they unintentionally unleash a force that will spell the end of Mankind if it cannot be destroyed.

Now an infected creature is loose in the Alaskan wilderness, and the America military is forced to ask the world’s greatest tracker, Nathaniel Hunter, to locate the beast and destroy it before it reaches a populated area.

Hunter can track anything, anywhere, anytime. But he is both horrified and shocked as he begins to follow the creature’s bloody path leading directly toward a city. For the beast is both more powerful and more merciless than any animal Hunter has tracked before. In fact, it seems to embody the most ancient and darkest heart of Man – a power that Mankind has always feared as the greatest Beast of Prey.

And as Hunter closes on the beast and the final, bloody battle approaches, he frantically realizes that the scientists may have succeeded all too well in their experiment to extend human life …

For it may have become unkillable.

Amazon / B&N

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The above cover is the one I own.

Here are some versions.

355383 1765916

19092249 17345661

Which do you prefer?

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

The Devil’s Fingers by Hunter Shea ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: October 31, 2018 in giveaways, horror, reviews
Tags: giveaway, Horror, review

The Devil’s Fingers

One Size Eats All #3

by Hunter Shea

Genre: Horror

My Review

The story goes like this, a group of friends go camping in the woods. One of them is a botanist and she thinks she knows what the field of foul smelling pods are that they come across. Mind you, she thinks. When a couple slip off during the night to get freaky, they do their thing too close to the pods. Now they them growing on their bodies. And they’re about to hatch.

Ah, Hunter has found a devilish fungus to deter us from ever going in the woods again. It’s always a trip how he uses something genuine and then starts killing off his characters in the most creative, and often times revolting, ways.

I always like how the author gives me character’s that I get frustrated with. Then I don’t feel so bad when they’re killed off. I want to ask them if they ever watched a horror movie. They should know not to go off alone in the dark. And especially not to have sex. But, that’s what they do and that’s when the fun begins.

They say a picture paints a thousand words. Well, take a gander at the cover for The Devil’s Fingers. Getting the picture yet?

Once again Hunter Shea shocks and awes me with another deliciously horrific tale. I’ll never pass up one of his books. Out of the park with this one, Hunter. Keep em coming.

Hunter shared this video on Twitter. Did you know Devil’s Fingers are real!

Enjoy this glimpse inside:

Carrie’s screams rocketed Autumn’s heart into her throat. A crow big enough to carry a cat in its talons leaped from its perch above their heads, screeching across the blue sky.

“Carrie!” she shouted.

Her friend had forged ahead to take pictures, her passion du jour of nature photography separating her from the group. Autumn Winters had wondered where she’d gone. Now, she just hoped she wasn’t in a ditch or hanging off a cliff.

Like that time in Mexico, she thought, the heavy pack on her back thumping the base of her spine with each footfall.

“Over here,” Carrie called back, her voice coming from a copse of spruce trees to their left.

Latrell sped ahead of Autumn, letting his backpack slip from his shoulders so it wouldn’t hold him back. Carrie’s longtime boyfriend, Dan Waverly, was right behind him. Autumn’s much shorter legs couldn’t keep up with the former college athletes.

She followed their path, branches and weeds swaying from their passing. Veering from the official trail worried Autumn, but nowhere near as much as Carrie’s peal of terror. The gradual uphill climb had seemed so easy, the late spring air just cool enough to make it one of the more pleasant hikes she’d been on. It was amazing how arduous and stifling things got the second they had to sprint like madmen, thorny weeds scratching their legs.

The toe of her hiking boot caught on the underside of an immovable stone. Arms flailing, she twisted her body so she wouldn’t fall on her face.

“Got ya!” Brandon barked as he grabbed hold of her backpack. He held on until she steadied herself. He coughed up half a lung while she caught her breath.

There was no time to thank him. Carrie had grown frighteningly silent and there hadn’t been a peep out of Latrell or Dan.

“Come on,” she said.

“I’ll catch up,” Brandon wheezed.

There were heavy footsteps behind him. He’d be okay.

Autumn weaved her way around the closely packed trees, careful not to clip her shoulders on the sturdy trunks.

“Where are you?” she shouted.

“Over here,” Latrell answered.

Honing in on her fiancé’s voice, she stumbled out of the tree line and into Dan’s wide back. She caught an unwelcome whiff of sweat, her face smooshed into his moist shirt.

Regaining her balance—not that she had any to begin with—she stepped back, noticing that Carrie, Dan, and Latrell were standing alongside one another, hands on their hips, staring at something she couldn’t see thanks to being dwarfed by Dan’s massive shadow.

Latrell took her by the hand. “Look at this.”

Carrie sounded close to tears.

“Are…are they alive?”

Autumn looked across the meadow and fought a sudden wave of dizziness. As far as she could see, the ground was littered with shattered white pods. Sprouting from each pod were thick, pink tentacles. It was like looking at a sea of squid, the underside of each tentacle dotted with wet olive and black spots. Interspersed within them were deathly pale limbs, four or more to a pod, looking too much like severed baby arms for Autumn’s taste.

Autumn hated calamari.

She took a step toward the edge of the meadow. Latrell held her back.

“Don’t go near them.”

“Whatever the fuck they are,” Dan said, putting a protective arm around Carrie.

Crashing in the brush announced the arrival of Brandon, Tina, and Seth.

“That is wild AF. And I haven’t even smoked yet,” Brandon said, peering at the field as if his eyes were deceiving him.

Autumn let go of Latrell’s hand, crouching close to the nearest cluster of skyward-reaching tentacles. It was hard to believe that Autumn, the girl they all called Mighty Mite because her genetics refused to allow her to pass the five-foot mark, was out macho-ing her alpha male of a fiancé. Then again, this was kind of her specialty.

Or it would be in a couple more years.

“Jesus, don’t touch it!” Tina yelped.

Autumn turned to her friends, all of them looking as if they were standing on the precipice of untold horrors. Latrell’s smooth, shaved head ran with rivulets of perspiration. Seth’s hand went to the machete secured at his hip.

“It’s all right,” Autumn said.

“That does not look all right,” Carrie said, her hand on Dan’s chest.

A breeze whispered over the meadow, animating the tentacles as they swayed back and forth. Tina yipped. Brandon pedaled backwards, falling on his ass.

The only thing worse than fried calamari was living calamari. Blinking hard, Autumn willed her mind to just shut up and deal with what was in front of her.

You’re not at Nicky’s Fish Box or lost at sea, dummy.

Autumn reached into her pocket for the little baggie of nuts she’d packed for quick snacking. Dumping the nuts on the ground, she inverted the bag over her hand.

She reached down, fingers grazing the papery flesh of the tentacle. She plucked it free from the pod. It was almost as long as her forearm, yet weighed next to nothing.

“Don’t bring that thing near me,” Carrie said, cringing.

Latrell’s eyes grew wide. The wind changed direction, blowing Autumn’s long honey hair into her face.

Hands flew to mouths as everyone started choking, Tina making tiny retching sounds.

Uh-oh, Autumn thought. I should have known better.

The stench rolling off the meadow was impossible to ignore. It hijacked their lungs, nestled into the membranes of their noses, coated their tongues.

A fetid redolence encompassed the campers, the presence of death too much for Autumn to handle. Eyes watering, she dropped the tentacle, hands grasping her knees, stomach heaving.

“Oh my God,” Carrie gasped between gouts of vomit splashing her and Dan’s boots.

She was the first to pass out.

But not the last.

“Old school horror.” —Jonathan Maberry

WHAT HAS LONG PINK FINGERS AND SMELLS LIKE ROTTING FLESH?

It is a slime-covered fungus known for its pinkish red tentacles and
pungent odor. It is indigenous to Australia but has spread to North
America. Its Latin name is Clathrus Archeri,
also known as Octopus Stinkhorn. Most people call it The Devil’s Fingers . . .

I DON’T KNOW BUT IT’S GROWING ON YOUR NECK.

Deep in the woods of Washington, botanist Autumn Winters stumbles onto a
field of the luridly colored fungi. Two of her fellow campers make
the mistake of touching it. Now it’s growing on them. Fleshy
gelatinous pods. Sprouting from their skin. Feeding on their blood . . .

AND IT’S STILL GROWING.

Autumn watches in horror as her friends are transformed into
monstrosities—grotesque, human-fungal hybrids as contagious and
deadly as any virus. Autumn knows she must destroy these mutations
before they return to civilization. But if there’s one thing that
spreads faster than fear, it’s The Devil’s Fingers . . .

Add to Goodreads

Amazon * Apple * B&N * Google * Kobo

Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary
movies, reading forbidden books and wishing Bigfoot would walk past
his house. He’s the author of over 17 books, including The
Jersey Devil (Pinnacle 2016)), Tortures of the
Damned (Pinnacle 2015), and We Are Always
Watching (Sinister Grin). Hunter’s novels can even be found on
display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. The Montauk
Monster (Pinnacle 2014) was named one of the best reads of the
summer by Publishers Weekly. He was selected to be part of the
launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line in 2011 alongside
legendary author Ramsey Campbell. His video podcast, Monster
Men, is one of the most watched horror podcasts in the world. Living
with his crazy and supportive family and two cats, he’s happy to be
close enough to New York City to see the skyline without having to
pay New York rent.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive content and a giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Wicked Harvest ~ Michigan Monsters & Macabre

Posted: October 31, 2018 in giveaways, horror, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: giveaway, Horror, review, Short Stories

Why Fall? Why Halloween? Why Michigan? And what does this have to do with these stories and books?

Let’s start with the great state of MICHIGAN. I consider myself lucky to have been born and raised in Michigan; a state I consider to be the absolute best in the country. I was born in Hastings in the early 70s, and then when I was about 18 months old, my mother, sister and I moved to the charming small town of Ionia. My mother was originally from Ionia; in fact, my grandparents owned and operated a locksmith and bicycle business there, started in the 1940s. My child-rearing years were spent living in town, living on a farm and living in a trailer park until I graduated high school. I had a good childhood, a typical childhood where my imagination was able to run wild.

Once I became an adult, I moved around quite a bit; Kalamazoo, Lake Odessa, Grand Blanc, Pewamo, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Middleville and on and on. I’ve had the pleasure of driving all over the state visiting beautiful and wonderful towns like Petoskey, Holly, Munising, Harbor Springs, Mackinac City, Lexington, Flint, Fenton, Port Austin, and Grand Haven to name a few. All of these towns have left lasting memories, thoughts and ideas for me because they each offer unique sights, architecture, people and history.

Living in Michigan my whole life not only have I seen some amazing cities, towns, parks and beaches, but I have also heard many of its spooky legends, ghost stories and tales about its many haunted locations. I thought to base a series of spooky stories and books that included actual Michigan locations would be an excellent way for me to pay tribute to the people, places and things. As I said, it is the greatest state in the nation!

Nothing on earth gets my mind, body and soul aroused like the season of FALL. I get excited about the three months of September, October and November more than a person probably should (But I know I’m not alone). I look forward to the fall season every year and have since I was very young. And every year and I get asked, “What is it about fall you love so much?”

First, I call it fall; always have, always will. Some people call it autumn. I guess it depends on who you ask or where they’re from. I love the word autumn, but most people I know say fall. I guess for me, it doesn’t really matter what you call it, what matters is all that comes with it. It’s a laundry list of things that come with the season that gets me excited and makes everything in the world seem…right.

It’s the chill in the air and the crisp clean cool breeze, wearing warm cozy sweatshirts or my favorite flannel shirts, making s’mores over a bonfire with family and friends, drinking cider and eating donuts from a visit to the local cider mills and orchards, picking out those perfect pumpkins at the pumpkin patch to carve Jack O‟ Lanterns or just place as decorations, driving around taking in the sights of the beautiful colored leaves, drinking hot flavored coffee or hot cocoa on the porch, tasting all of the fall seasonal craft beers and hard ciders, the smell of burning leaves and wood burning in fireplaces, not having to deal with those pesky summer bugs, crock pot slow roast dinners, chili cook-offs, and yes, even the pumpkin spice everything!

To me, there’s no emotion and sensation like what I get and feel during the fall months. Even though I know the dreaded winter will soon follow. Still, I embrace the season for all it’s worth and bask in the pure comfort on how everything about it makes me feel. I could go on, but I’m sure you understand.

Everyone has their favorite holiday. Sure, I love Thanksgiving for the bounty of delectable food and watching the traditional football game. Christmas with the pretty lights, gifts and more delicious foods and even St. Patrick’s Day isn’t too bad with a cold Guinness in hand. But, for me, hands down, the best holiday is HALLOWEEN.

For starters, it’s smack dab in the middle of my favorite fall season. Second, it’s just so much fun, has so much tradition and you get to dress in costume to become anything and anyone you want…even if it’s for just one night. Oh, then third; the candy. Lots and lots of candy!

Yes, even as an adult I like, nope, love the candy.

Granted, I don’t go Trick-or-Treating anymore, but I thoroughly enjoy decorating the house and handing out candy to all the little ones in the neighborhood. And if I have candy left in the bowl at the end of the night…so be it. Halloween is just fun and it can make us all remember what being a kid is all about.

I have enjoyed celebrating Halloween since I was a toddler. I love and appreciate the folklore behind it, the traditions, the parties, and the creatures and costumes. I’ve always admired and respected the classic tales of Dracula, Frankenstein and the myths and legends told by friends and family…especially real-life ghost stories. I look forward every year to watching The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown and movies like Sleepy Hollow, Trick R Treat, Hocus Pocus, Young Frankenstein, Underworld, Zombieland, The Lost Boys and so many others. So bring on the bats, skeletons, black cats, witches, Jack O‟ Lanterns, ghosts, ghouls and goblins, and creatures and monsters of all kinds!

So why this book? Why now?

When I started writing articles and stories years ago, I never envisioned myself as a horror writer or any kind of scary story writer. Then one day in the fall of 2017 I was talking to my wife and kids about scary stories and then immediately got an idea in my head for one. That idea eventually became the Stone Hollow story. Funny enough, written about the very subdivision that I live in.

Once I wrote that first one I got hooked and couldn’t stop writing. The ideas and thoughts were pouring out of my head faster than I could type. I had notepads and pieces of paper strewn everywhere with ideas. I finally created a document called Ideas and it was just that; all kinds of story ideas, characters, partial paragraphs, locations, dialog…everything to keep my thoughts together so I wouldn’t lose them. There’s nothing worse than having a great idea and then forgetting it later.

Once I had a dozen full stories together, I wondered what to do with them. I thought about trying to enter writing contests and submit some to anthology books (which I did a few), but then I thought maybe I would just put them in book form and do things my way. My hope was that people would read them and enjoy them as much as I do.

Heck, I know there are hundreds of horror writers out there and I know my stories may not be made into blockbuster movies, but I’m going to let my imagination run wild and do the best I can. The plan is to make Michigan Monsters & Macabre a series of books; perhaps 5 to 10…if I’m lucky.

…add now it has really got my gears moving and I’m excited not only to write scary stories but to write other short stories and books as well. Looks like I have a lot of work ahead of me. I better make a few pots of coffee…it’s going to be a long year!

Wicked Harvest: Michigan Monsters and Macabre

Book One

Jerrod S. Smelker

Genre: Fiction, Horror

Publisher: Last Leaf Publishing

Date of Publication: Sept 24th, 2018

ISBN:1720157022

Number of pages: 193

Word Count: 36,600

Cover Artist: BookDesign

My Review

Being born in Michigan, how could I not try these stories. I’ve always found urban legends fascinating and reading about some centered around cities I’m familiar with was sure to be fun.

There are many stories to savor, from macabre to harrowing. While none of them truly scared me, I pictured a few of these in my mind and wouldn’t want to be in those character’s shoes.

Being brief stories, I liked how they ended. The author introduced his character’s. Set up the why of how they ended up where the were, and then showed how they paid the piper. A few I felt sorry for. Some I felt got what they deserved. And then there were some I thought should have known better. You know those. The ones that go in the basement when they shouldn’t. The one’s that ignore warnings from those who know the skinny. Yep, the ones we call victims.

The author gave me some tasty nibbles and if you like short stories with a few twists, I recommend you take a bite.

~~~~~

Book Description:

Welcome to the Wicked Harvest: Michigan Monsters and Macabre spooky short stories books.

Inside you will read 10 chilling haunts of encounters with terrifying creatures, cursed fountains, the undead, an abandoned asylum and other creepy and frightening things.

All stories take place in and around Michigan cities and towns and transpire during the delightful season of fall and the greatest holiday of Halloween.

These startling tales are fictional stories of course…or are they?

Amazon

About the Author:

Jerrod S. Smelker is the owner/operator/writer for Last Leaf Publishing, Our Michigan Travels and Wicked Harvest MI. Author of “Vigilant in Today’s World” series of crime prevention books, “Wicked Harvest: Michigan Monsters & Macabre” series of spooky short stories and books and numerous other short stories. He is a proud member of the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. He grew up in Ionia, a quaint small town smack dab in the middle of Michigan between Grand Rapids and the state’s capital, Lansing. He enjoys history, writing, reading, fine cigars and pipes, craft beers and hard ciders, coffee, and Michigan road trips. He currently lives in Grand Blanc Michigan with his wife, kids and cats.

Website / Blog / Wicked Harvest / Facebook / Amazon

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #30 ~ Short Tales Of Horror

Posted: October 30, 2018 in horror, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills, Horror, review, Short Stories

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

~~~~~

Short Tales Of Horror III

by Regina Puckett

Genre: Horror / Short Stories

My Review

I’d read another collection Of Regina’s and really enjoyed them so I was quick to grab this one when I came across it.

There are fifteen stories here and I liked every single one. Some were scary. Some were very twisted. And some even made me laugh at their wickedness.

In these pages you’ll come across a possessive ghost with deadly intent, creepy dolls that have a few tricks up their sleeves, homeless people that should be wary of a helping hand, a husband who won’t be raising a hand to his wife again, a hitchhiker with a twist, an inheritance with strings attached, a re-encounter with the possessive spirit, a resentful new father, thirteen black cats who might not add up to a lucky number, how being late for school can have dire consequences, what happens when a miracle diet pill comes with side affects, why imaginary friends can feel all too real, what occurs when an alien spacecraft brings nothing good and what a vampire does when you don’t clean up after yourself.

I’d be hard pressed to choose a favorite. The author penned some creative and curious tales and they were well executed. All of these were either 4 or 5 star reads. I devoured them in one sitting and could have read more. It’s like tiny horror M&Ms. I couldn’t read just one, or two….

If you enjoy horror collections, you’ll certainly enjoy these. I sure did.

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Synopsis

My collection of short stories of ghosts, evil spirtis, werewolves, a few mentally ill people and I’ve even thrown in a few zombies and vampires into the mixture.

I’ve taken your every fear and written a story about it, so they can be examined in the bright light of day. Of course if your prefer, you’re welcome to read them at night too. I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether you want your horror now or later.

Amazon / B&N

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The cover above is from Goodreads.

Here is the one I own.

Which do you prefer?

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

Murder By Perfection by Lauren Carr ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: October 30, 2018 in giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: giveaway, Murder Mystery, review

I’m a big fan of Lauren Carr’s and it’s my pleasure to share another one of her thrilling books.

Check out Murder By Perfection.

Enjoy my review.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Book Title: Murder by Perfection by Lauren Carr
Series: Thorny Rose Mystery Series (Volume 3)
Category: Adult fiction, 322 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: May 31, 2018
Tour dates: Oct 8 to Nov 2, 2018
Content Rating: PG (mild violence and sexual suggestion)

My Review

It had been a while since I visited these character’s but I quickly found my footing on who was who, both human and other. One year into their marriage, Jessica and Murphy have hit a bump in the road. It’s push me pull me with so many things consuming all of their time. The murder of Murphy’s friend is sure to take even more of his time. But, a bone is tossed and they can work this case together. They just need to join a cooking class and warn the person instructing it that they’re in danger. She may be a clue to get the case moving again. If they can keep her alive.

Having read many of Lauren’s books, I knew there would be more than one mystery to solve. There was also character growth, loads of laughs and some fun critter antics, including a cocky rooster.

And Nigel. I’d forgot all about Nigel. He’s the A.I. that keeps the smart house in order and things running smoothly. He’s also a huge help with solving cases as he has a font of information at his fingertips, kind of. He may be artificial, but he’s still got a personality. A charming one, in fact.

There’s more than one mystery, as I mentioned at the beginning. And a kidnapping that had me all twisted inside. As the investigation deepens, more character’s are involved, more suspects join the list and the suspense builds. You’ll need your thinking cap and an assistant to figure this one out. It’s not an obvious resolution.

Character driven stories are my favorite. I don’t have to love them, I just need to be to relate to them. And Lauren gives me character’s from all walks of life. And her critters. They hop, skip and jump throughout the book. Each one has their own personality with quirks that keep you laughing and loving them. I’m not talking about just cats and dogs either.

Once again, Lauren managed to immerse me in her story quickly. And while I couldn’t wait to see how things concluded, I also tried to savor all of the little bits in between.

Murder, kidnapping, mystery, romance and laugh out loud moments are what this is all about. Never a dull moment and another excellent story from Lauren.

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Synopsis

Perfection can be a fatal endeavor.

Frustrated with their busy schedules, Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday attempt to find togetherness by scheduling a weekly date night. The last thing Jessica Faraday expected for her date night was to take a couple’s gourmet cooking course at the Stepford Kitchen Studio, owned by Chef Natalie Stepford―the model of perfection in looks, home, and business.

When Natalie ends up dead and Murphy goes missing, the Thorny Rose detectives must peel back the layers of Natalie Stepford’s life to discover that the pursuit of perfection can be deadly.

To read reviews, please visit Lauren Carr’s page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Watch the book trailer:

Meet Author Lauren Carr

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Now, Lauren has added one more hit series to her list with the Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries. Set in the quaint West Virginia town of Harpers Ferry, Ice introduces Chris Matheson, a retired FBI agent, who joins forces with other law enforcement retirees to heat up those cold cases that keep them up at night.

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Nov 10, 2018

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

But is she…… Alive? ~ Author Interview and Giveaway

Posted: October 30, 2018 in apocalypse, Author Interview, giveaways, YA
Tags: author inerview, giveaway, post-apocalyptic, YA

Alive?
by Melissa Woods

.
(The Alive? Series, #1)
Published by: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: October 30th 2018
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Science Fiction,Young Adult, Zombies

Synopsis

Everyone knows the first rule of the zombie apocalypse: Don’t. Get. Bitten.

Too bad Violet has never been great at following the rules. Walking home after a night of partying, she manages to let one of the Dead take a chunk out of her only hours after they’ve begun walking again. Fortunately for Violet, she doesn’t die. Unfortunately for Violet—she’s not exactly alive, either.

Violet’s body is undergoing changes, and suddenly the taste of human flesh is not as revolting as it once sounded. Controlling her new urges will be hard. Living with survivors who have no idea will be even harder. And the real zombies? They still want to eat her, too…

Surviving the zompocalypse is tricky when you play for both teams.

New from author Melissa Woods, Alive? is a heart-pounding adventure with suspenseful plot twists, complex characters, and a dash of dark humor. Gritty and raw, Alive? is sure to keep you guessing, and will delight zombie apocalypse fans everywhere.

Goodreads

Purchase: Amazon / B&N / iBooks / Kobo

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Check out the Author Interview

Can you describe your book in one sentence?

.
It’s the story of a seventeen year old called Violet, who makes the unfortunate mistake of getting bitten by a zombie, and discovers that while she’s lucky enough not to die, she now has a couple of interesting quirks, making her an unwanted guest at most dinner parties!

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

.
Averages are hard, because I wrote the first draft of Alive? when I was sixteen years old, which would suggest it takes me twelve years to go from first draft to publication! But if I look at when I went back to the book and made the major changes, and how long it’s taken me to draft the sequel, I’d say it’s about nine months to a year to go from a blank page, to something I’m ready to send to the editor for fresh eyes.

What is the first book that made you cry?

.
I think it was probably Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You probably already know the part, but spoiler alert; Cedric Diggory dies! It was the first time I’d felt actually angry and upset about the death of a character; not angry at JK for writing it, of course, but angry with Pettigrew for killing him. I was angry at one fictional character for killing another, which is ridiculous really, but just shows how touched you can be by the written word.

Have you ever gotten reader’s block?

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Absolutely. There have been times where I’ve picked up and put down six books in a row, because my mood changes. One minute I want to read a thriller, then I want sci-fi, then I get a craving for young adult diary-style humour. It drives my husband crazy, because he’s someone who picks up a book and doesn’t read anything else until it’s finished. I suppose that’s part of the reason that Alive? has a bit of horror, a bit of suspense, and a bit of humor, because I’m trying to keep myself happy as well as anything else!

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

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It crossed my mind, because I’m a teacher, and I wasn’t sure how I would feel about parents of the children I teach reading the book, hating it, and then having to make awkward eye-contact on the playground where they look at me and think “She’s in charge of educating my child, and her book is the worst thing I’ve ever read in my life!” But I realised that it’s just my own anxiety, and that even if they didn’t like the book, the parents of children I have taught would hopefully be unlikely to make judgements about my teaching based on my writing about the zombie apocalypse!

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

.
Just keep writing. Try to focus on one project at a time, but it’s okay need to move onto something else, because sometimes that’s exactly what helps you realise what’s missing from your work in progress. Don’t worry about having six half-finished projects, it’s better than staring at a blank chapter for weeks on end because you don’t know where it’s going next.

Alive slow

How do you think you’d fare in a zombie apocalypse?

.
It totally depends on the type of zombies. If we’re going George Romero’s slow shufflers, then I think I’d do okay! I’ve read a lot of zombie books, and watched a lot of movies, and think I’d avoid some of the typical ways to be killed off early on. But if the zombies were fast, like in Alive? or movies like 28 days later, then I’m pretty sure I’d be dead within about half an hour. I’m not someone who runs, which is something I decided to grace Violet with, just to make her life a little harder!

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Enjoy this peek inside

Violet Winter was dead.
Probably.
Possibly.
To be honest, she wasn’t quite clear about it yet. All she knew was that ever since being bitten by the zombie, things had started to get weird.
As she stood there with warm blood drying on her fingers and bits of someone’s face in her teeth, she decided that making the choice to take the shortcut through the woods might not have been the best one.

Alive teaser

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Author Melissa Woods

Alive author

Writer, primary school teacher, zompocalyptic obsessive.

Melissa Woods is the author of ‘Alive?’, a young adult zombie adventure story, set for release on October 30th 2018.

When she’s not writing or teaching, Melissa can usually be found walking her three dogs, playing video games, or, occasionally, spending time with her husband.

Author links: Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #29 ~ Harvest Deep

Posted: October 29, 2018 in horror, reviews
Tags: 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills, Horror, review

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

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Harvest Deep

by Trent Pettry

Genre: Horror

My Review

Things don’t go well for these people. Sent to do a news assignment, Liz, her husband, and another couple, close friends, load up her mother’s fancy RV and head to Mammoth, Utah to find a story. They get one they weren’t counting on and may not make it out alive to tell.

I’ve always thought an abandoned mine was a good setting for horror stories. For these character’s, it turns out the mine is a working one, and what’s inside is their worst nightmare. What dwells deep inside, aside from the humans who want them dead to cover up their secret, is hellish in nature. Confirms my instincts when entering a cave. I don’t belong there.

This had a lot going for it. The character’s were likeable and the plot was a good one, but I felt it needed a little more in one area. The things in the cave. Maybe it’s just me. I love creature action. But, I felt like there should have been more scenes with them. They’re monstrously creepy and the encounters were intense when they happened.

The author mentions his story was inspired by true events. It added to my curiosity and the encounter he shared was eerie.

I enjoyed this creepy story and will be watching to see what else the author writes. If this story appeals to you at all, I’d recommend you give it a go. I had fun.

~~~~~

Synopsis

Something deep in the earth has evolved…

Hidden in the West Desert of Utah, the gold rush town of Mammoth is a shell of its former glory. But for Liz Chilton, a photojournalist on assignment, it’s the place she was born and where her mother grew up. Forty years after fleeing the area, Liz seeks to reconnect with her now-deceased mother’s past.

The unspeakable, concealed in darkness…

What begins as an adventurous road trip for Liz, her husband, and another couple, takes a horrific turn when they discover a slaughtered man at an RV park. Something has partially consumed him—something inhuman.

The group is dragged into a twisted conspiracy tied to the old family mine, marked by a massive hole on the side of the mountain. Confronted by her mother’s hidden past and the mine’s dark purpose, Liz and her friends must fight to survive or fall prey to the secret nesting deep within the caverns.

Inspired by true events, HARVEST DEEP is a debut novel of horror by Trent Pettry.

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #28 ~ Autumn Harvest

Posted: October 28, 2018 in Anthology, horror, reviews
Tags: 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills, anthology, Horror, review

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

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Autumn Harvest

by Mark Kasniak

Genre: Horror / Anthology

My Review

I’d liken this collection to Tales From The Darkest Side, Nope. I didn’t spell it wrong. What I assumed would be some spooky Halloween stories quickly turned into some very dark tales. Lots of gore, warped character’s and fiendish dispatching awaits.

The selection here is all over the place. Zombies, Check. Super evil villains. Check. Creepy pumpkins. Check. Possessed radios. Check. The list goes on. These would make some super eerie television episodes.

If you’re at all squeamish, brace yourself, as many of these even had me cringing, and that’s saying something. But, there’s also stories that have you pulling for the monstrous character’s. They not be human any longer, but they deserve their own brand of vengeance for what befell them.

The author warns that these are not meant for young kids. There’s adult themes, with the language and events that come with that. And he wasn’t kidding. While a few of these were a bit too graphic and warped for my taste, I could appreciate the author’s imagination when penning many of them. I’d only recommend this to true fans of dark, twisted horror.

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Synopsis

Autumn Harvest: A Celebration of Halloween and the Macabre… brings together all the fun things that may have scared you as a kid about Halloween while taking those stories a step further by adding a new dimension that will horrify and sicken you as an adult.

In this creepy and dark humored anthology consisting of a dozen or so short-fiction pieces and the Novella, “A Pumpkins’ Halloween” you will be catapulted back into the world you remember as a child where ghost, vampires, zombies, all kinds of boogeymen were real. You will also experience a new form of terror as an adult in reading these stories because many of the villains that these tales encompass could be easily pulled right out of the headlines.

Such stories in this book include:

 The Express: Four friends go on a camping trip near the site of an old train wreck and get more than they’ve bargained for.

 Damnedborough Radio 104.1 am: Rick addicted to collecting junk brings home a radio that broadcasts the voice of a demon.

 Exit 34: A women recounts the experience of a time when she was young and on vacation with her family when they stopped off at a restaurant where you might end up on the menu.

 A Halloween Story: A man at the end of his rope experiences a drunken Halloween.

 Cold Mutton Soup: Mike and Jim discover resurrecting the dead may not be all that they thought it would be.

 Glenn and Death: Loser in life, Glenn Oliver, finds himself accompanied by the grim reaper to a party in the afterlife that Glenn may not be ready for.

 A Pumpkins’ Halloween: A novella which focuses on five jack-o-lanterns taking turns telling scary stories on Halloween as they watch passerby trick-or-treaters shuffle past them on their fun-filled evening.

And, many more stories… thirteen in all.

WARNING: THIS IS NOT A CHILDREN’S BOOK. IT HAS A ADULT THEMES, LANGUAGE, AND SITUATIONS

Amazon / B&N

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

What’s New On My Bookshelf #284 and The Sunday Post

Posted: October 28, 2018 in Freebies!, giveaways, reviews, What's New on My Bookshelf
Tags: fuonlyknew, my weekly news, The Sunday Post

bookshelves photo: Bookshelf bookshelves.jpg

This is my own version of a weekly book haul and all things new on fuonlyknew.

I’m also linking up with The Sunday Post hosted by Kimberly @Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

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Some chit chat.

Whew. What a week. Work was crazy busy and all I wanted to do when I got home each day was lay like broccoli. LOL

I’m still watching The Haunting Of Hill House. Two episodes to go. My son and I watch one each night. We also watched Ready Player One. What a trip. Had loads of fun trying to spot different characters. And Iron Giant. I love that lug! The movie put me in the mood for some others so I watched Guardians Of The Galaxy 1 and 2. Great tunes and loads of action. Just what I needed.

I started reading some Christmas books and looking for some shows and movies. It will be here before you know it. Guys, where did this year go????

Have a fabulous Sunday and brand new week!

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My new books this week.

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And here are some FREEBIES for ya.

Click on the covers to get your copies. Remember to make sure they’re still free before you hit that buy button.

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Click on the covers to check out this weeks reviews.

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31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #27 ~ The Tent

Posted: October 27, 2018 in horror, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills, Horror, review, Short story

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’m sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to get those scares on for the 31st!

~~~~~

The Tent

by Kealan Patrick Burke

Genre: Horror / Short Story

My Review

While browsing my Kindle for something creepy to read I came across this book. What? A Kealan Patrick Burke book that has been hiding from me. I’m sure you know what happened next. I immediately started reading it.

We begin with an old man and his dog on a porch. The quiet is shattered by the dog’s piercing barks. It won’t shut up so the man enters the woods to see what’s what. There, he finds a tent, and the story truly begins.

Being told from two perspectives, that of the man and that of a family of campers, worked great for me. I wanted to know what would happen to the man and his dog, and I couldn’t wait to see what happened to the not so happy couple and their boy.

There’s a reason scary stories are told around campfires. One, to scare you. Two, to warn you not to go camping. And Kealan gives us an all new monster to worry about.

I loved this spooky tale. Would have loved it as a longer book too. The attention to detail, character development and atmosphere of doom was just right. No easy thing with fewer words. The author did it so well.

Grab your insect repellent and join us around the campfire. Just ignore the rustling sounds from the woods. I’m sure you parked your tent in the permitted area.

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Synopsis

The perfect getaway…

The perfect place to hide…

Hocking Hills, Ohio is an oasis for campers, hikers, nature enthusiasts, and for those who just want to get away and lose themselves in the wild.

And as long as you follow your guide’s advice and stay within the permitted areas, you can expect to survive the night.

Because deep within the dark woods, something insidious awaits, something few have ever seen, something ancient, unknowable, and insatiable.

If you go down to these woods today, you won’t live to see the sunrise…

A brand new novella from the Bram Stoker Award-winning author of THE TURTLE BOY and KIN.

Amazon / B&N / Kobo

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The above cover is the one I own.

Here is a newer version.

Which do you prefer?

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

I am an Amazon Affiliate. Product images are linked.

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Archive for October, 2018

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #31 ~ Hunter

The Devil’s Fingers by Hunter Shea ~ Review and Giveaway

Wicked Harvest ~ Michigan Monsters & Macabre

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #30 ~ Short Tales Of Horror

Murder By Perfection by Lauren Carr ~ Review and Giveaway

But is she…… Alive? ~ Author Interview and Giveaway

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #29 ~ Harvest Deep

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #28 ~ Autumn Harvest

What’s New On My Bookshelf #284 and The Sunday Post

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills #27 ~ The Tent